National Heritage Week kicks off in Laois this weekend

 Tours of Stradbally Hall, family treasure hunts at Emo Park, weaving workshops in Abbeyleix and insights into the ‘Hidden Portlaoise’ are among the many free events taking place across Laois during National Heritage Week 2024, from Saturday August 17th to Sunday August 25th.

Local heritage groups and organisers, families, communities and individuals in Laois have responded to this year’s theme of ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’ by organising events showcasing the best of what Laois local heritage has to offer. Well over 2,000 events will take place nationwide with a full list available on the National Heritage Week website.

Coordinated by the Heritage Council, some other highlights from this year’s National Heritage Week programme in Laois also include: How Ireland Saved Motorsport, Dunamaise Arts Centre (22 August, 7pm to 8pm) –Discover how a race in Carlow, Laois and Kildare in 1903 altered the future or motorsport worldwide through a film was commissioned to showcase the story of this amazing event, which is still commemorated annually with a vintage car rally bringing enthusiasts from all over the world.

Talking about Trees: Abbeyleix, at the Heritage House Abbeyleix (19 August, 7pm to 9pm) - Join in the celebrating of Abbeyleix, a town renowned for its remarkable trees, from the ancient oak woodlands to the tree-lined main street and leafy parks.

Life in the Mountmellick Malt Factory, Mountmellick Public Library (17 – 24 August) - A collection of documents, photographs & stories from the Mountmellick Malt Factory. Also photos & documents from the life of Dr Werner Schwarz who fled Nazi Germany and found love in the Malt Factory.

Dereliction, Decay and Conservation - Saving Portarlington's Historic Buildings, Portarlington Library (21 August, 8pm to 10pm) - Guest speakers will talk about the recent restoration of the Victorian buildings at Portarlington Railway Station and the ongoing work of conservation and restoration of the Market House or Tholsel in Portarlington.

Commenting, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said: “Browsing through the over 2,000 events taking place during National Heritage Week this year gives a sense of the shear variety and colour of our nation’s heritage – they cover nature, culture, music, traditions, folklore, writing, history, architecture, archaeology, archives and so much more. It is also a sign of the strength of the sector, the depth of knowledge people have and their generosity in sharing that knowledge. Many of the events are volunteer led, organised by dedicated people who seek no recompense or adulation. We must never take these people for granted and I will continue unapologetically to mention them at every opportunity, such is their importance not only to National Hertiage Week, but to the preservation of Irish heritage in general.”

Two themed days will take place during National Heritage Week. On Saturday 24th of August, Wild Child Day encourages children and families to explore the heritage in their locality. On Sunday, 25th of August, the Heritage Council and the Local Authority Waters Programme invite people to explore National Heritage Week projects that celebrate water and our connections with it.